Full of Yourself?

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering… 2 Timothy 4:6

St. Paul writes at the end of his last letter to Timothy that he was “being poured out as a drink offering.” But in truth, that process had already been happening for some time. Paul deliberately and daily emptied himself so that he could be completely filled by God.

The Gospel writers are also a perfect example of this deliberate emptiness. They constantly put the spotlight on Jesus and not themselves. Matthew writes his name only twice, almost as an afterthought. Mark and Luke don’t even mention themselves at all. Even John doesn’t even dare pen his own name, referring to himself only as the “disciple whom Jesus loved.”   These first followers of Jesus had discovered the great joy of being filled – not with their own desires or self-will – but with the presence and indwelling power of their Lord.



Think for a moment of those Jesus-followers in your life who often seem filled to the brim with God’s joy, presence, and power. Chances are they begin each day by intentionally setting aside their own will and their own desires that Jesus may fill them to the uttermost.

Holy and consuming God, I set aside my self-will this day, that Your power may fully dwell in me.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.